Pipelayer Kit
VP 72Gs2 Pipelayer Kit
A mid-range pipelayer that is economical to purchase and designed for ease of operation and service, lifting 90,000 lb (40,820 kg) on the proven Caterpillar D7G Series 2.
Base machines: Caterpillar D7G Series 2

Overview
PipeLine Machinery International (PLM) developed the VP 72Gs2 to enhance its pipelayer offerings. With the support of Caterpillar and the engineering expertise of Vanguard Equipment Inc., the challenge was met to create a mid-range pipelayer that is economical to purchase and designed for ease of operation and service.
The VP 72Gs2 combines the proven capabilities of the Caterpillar D7G Series 2 base tractor with Vanguard's expertise in sideboom systems. Vanguard has many years' experience with pipelayer design and the manufacture of hydraulic pipelayer attachments and welding systems for Caterpillar and PLM. PLM presents the VP 72Gs2 — Caterpillar quality without compromise.
Pipelayer components
Winches
Boom and hook drawworks are driven by independent hydraulic winches with oil-disc brakes. Modular design for fast replacement, easy field service and testing. Infinitely variable speed controls, emergency quick-drop on the load line, and an independent manual external brake release for lowering the load if the engine or hydraulics are inoperable.
Boom
6.1 m (20 ft) boom with large box section is standard. Replaceable boom-mount bearings, high-tensile steel construction, lightweight for increased payload and durable for long life.
Blocks & hook
Heavy-duty, serviceable hook and boom blocks; forged hook with latch and serviceable handle; ductile iron sheaves; high-performance cable for flexibility, strength and crush resistance.
Counterweight
Extended hydraulically for better load balance and clearance, and sculpted to fit over the track for ease of shipment. Integrated counterbalance valves in the cylinders prevent unwanted extension, especially during transport, and a manual mechanical safety lock adds restraint for secure transportation.
Drawbar
Robust tow bar accommodates a wide range of attachments; solid frame-bolted design for train attachment or anchor-tractor use.
Power train
The Caterpillar D7G Series 2 track-type tractor is the base of the VP 72Gs2. It is powered by the Cat 3306 direct-injection, turbocharged and aftercooled diesel engine.
- Six-cylinder, four-stroke diesel delivering 150 net flywheel kW (202 net flywheel hp) at 2,000 rpm.
- Direct injection controls fuel consumption for good productivity per unit of fuel burned.
- Optimum weight-to-horsepower ratio to minimize cycle times.
- Maintains specified power up to 4,100 m (13,450 ft) altitude without de-rating.
Clutch, brakes and controls
- Hydraulically actuated, multiple-disc oil steering clutches require no adjustment.
- Oil-cooled, hydraulically boosted contracting band brakes; clutch and brakes serviced as a complete unit.
- Handle levers on the operator's left combine steering-clutch disengagement and braking in one control; direction and speed control is located close by.
- Pipelayer controls can be operated with one hand for enhanced comfort and precise, simultaneous positioning of load line and boom.
Undercarriage
- Reinforced box-section construction in the track roller frame; lifetime-lubricated rollers.
- 6 track rollers and 2 outside-mounted carrier rollers per side; fixed track frames ensure rigid stability for lifting.
- 610 mm (24 in) single grouser shoe; sealed and lubricated links eliminate internal bushing wear.
- 2-piece master links for easy track removal; hydraulic track adjusters; segmented sprocket sections.
Safety features
- Independent hydraulic winches for boom and hook.
- Oil-disc brakes with positive retention of boom and hook positions.
- Infinitely variable speed controls for boom and hook.
- Emergency free-fall function on load-line control.
- Independent manual external brake release for lowering the load if the engine or hydraulics are inoperable.
Specifications
Weights and lifting
| Item | Metric | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum lift capacity | 40 820 kg | 90,000 lb |
| Operating weight (with boom and blocks) | 29 910 kg | 65,940 lb |
| Shipping weight (with boom and blocks) | 29 593 kg | 65,240 lb |
| Weight of 6.1 m (20 ft) boom | 1 174 kg | 2,585 lb |
| Weight of blocks (luff + load + hook + pins) | 234 kg | 515 lb |
| Wire rope diameter | 19.05 mm | 0.75 in |
| Minimum breaking strength of wire rope | 261.56 kN | 58,800 lb |
| Load line / boom line | 4 part / 4 part | |
| Mass of extended counterweight | 6 015 kg | 13,260 lb |
| Maximum fore-and-aft slope | 45° (100 % grade) |
Dimensions
| Ref. | Dimension | Metric | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Track gauge | 1 981 mm | 78 in |
| B | Width of tractor, 610 mm (24 in) shoes | 2 591 mm | 102 in |
| C | Width of tractor, boom removed | 3 658 mm | 144 in (12 ft) |
| D | Width of tractor, counterweight extended | 5 454 mm | 214.7 in |
| E | Machine height, tip of grouser to top of winch | 2 819 mm | 111 in |
| F | Drawbar height to center of clevis | 540 mm | 21.25 in |
| G | Length of track on ground | 2 718 mm | 107 in |
| H | Operating length with drawbar | 4 623 mm | 182 in (15 ft 2 in) |
| I | Height to top of exhaust stack | 3 050 mm | 120 in (10 ft) |
| J | Grouser height | 84 mm | 3.3 in |
| K | Ground clearance (SAE J1234) | 349 mm | 13.7 in |
| L | Boom height, tip of grouser at 1.22 m (4 ft) overhang | 6 833 mm | 269 in (22 ft 5 in) |
Winches
| Item | Hook winch | Boom winch |
|---|---|---|
| Drum diameter | 254.0 mm / 10.0 in | 215.9 mm / 8.5 in |
| Flange diameter | 482.6 mm / 19.0 in | 406.4 mm / 16.0 in |
| Drum length | 431.8 mm / 17.0 in | 254.0 mm / 10.0 in |
| Capacity, 19.05 mm (3/4 in) rope | 124.0 m / 407 ft | 51.8 m / 170 ft |
| Line speed, bare drum, high (no load) | 91.4 m/min / 300 ft/min | 73.4 m/min / 241 ft/min |
| Line speed, bare drum, low (no load) | 47.2 m/min / 155 ft/min |
Engine
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine model | Cat 3306 direct injection, turbocharged, aftercooled |
| Net flywheel power | 150 kW / 202 hp at 2,000 rpm |
| Cylinders | 6, four-stroke |
| Altitude | Specified power maintained to 4,100 m (13,450 ft) |
Materials and specifications are subject to change without notice. Refer to the brochure and Operator & Maintenance Manual for complete data.
Photos
Downloads
VP 72Gs2 Pipelayer brochure — English (8 pages)Product brochurePDF
VP 72Gs2 铺管机 brochure — Chinese (8 pages)Product brochurePDF
Operator & Maintenance Manuals
VP 72Gs2 Pipelayer Attachment Kit041-08OP-001C · D7G Series IIPDF
Made under license from Caterpillar, Inc. Cat and Caterpillar are registered trademarks of Caterpillar, Inc. All marks are used with permission of Caterpillar.


